Slow and steady does it
TV AND RADIO PERSONALITY WITH A NINE-TO-FIVE JOB ‘One thing I find fascinating about me and my career is that I have always been the underdog.’
After almost 10 years in the entertainment industry, the 2006 Miss SA Teen, Zizo Tshwete, formerly Beda, is still a woman on the move. The 30-year-old TV and radio personality has proved that keeping your focus on a goal and doing things at your own pace is all that one needs when faced with the pressures that come with the industry.
Loved by many for her quirky yet warm, nonchalant character, Tshwete has found a spot in the hearts of many South Africans.
“Coming out of the pageant, I really didn’t know of the expectations which came with the title,” she said.
“I was just excited to have received a bursary to study at Varsity College. It was a culture shock to move to Johannesburg, as was letting go of my dream to study investigative journalism at Rhodes.
“I found myself having to redirect my path, but my goal was still to tell authentic South African stories which inspire.
“That is what I got to do in presenting Selimathunzi.”
Having burst onto the scene at age 19, the eager Eastern Cape-born youngster found herself on one of the largest magazine shows in the country.
The ethos of the show motivated her as, with each episode, she found herself learning more about her country and the people in it.
Reaping the rewards of her humble nature, Tshwete soon became the face of trendy young clothing store Legit under Edcon, not knowing that it would lead her to her next journey in life.
It was during her time with Legit that she got introduced to Dandelion Breeze, a branding and marketing solutions agency led by self-made businessperson Medina Harverye, who saw what Tshwete could bring to the company. Together they have soared.
“I was initially getting booked to MC Dandelion Breeze’s events.
“However, I found myself liking how they operated, which led me to avail myself and my skills more, as I like to believe I have a strategic mind to have sustained myself in this industry.
“At first, I joined on a project-owned contract, which I am glad became permanent as it has given me the opportunity to fuse my passions for people and giving back with communication and brand development.”
Witnessing how her face lights up as she touches on the few projects which she has been involved with at Dandelion Breeze, Tshwete has found the perfect balance between being a celebrity and using the title to benefit others.
“One thing I find fascinating about me and my career is that I have always been the underdog, so people’s assumptions or expectations of me have never influenced where and how I see myself,” she said.
She refers to dealing with negative connotations which may arise from having a nine-to-five job outside the industry.
“The one thing that I am confident of is that my work speaks for itself. There have been many opportunities which have presented themselves which have led me to walk in and assure people that when I do say I will do something, I deliver.”
A firm believer in “slow and steady wins the race”, Tshwete has taken time off to be there for her two-year-old son, who is the light of her life.
This is evident by the tearyeyed emotion which floods her face as she speaks of him.
“I’ve worked hard to get to this point. I think I can take my foot off the accelerator and enjoy the milestones which come with being a mother. “I never miss an appointment but I know I wouldn’t have done it without Lindiw e Dladla, who does an exceptional job in handling my diary.”